| 1. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of prompt fission neutrons in U-235(nth,f) and fission fragment distributions for the thermal neutron induced fission of U-234
- 2016
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Ingår i: CNR*15 - 5th International Workshop On Compound-Nuclear Reactions And Related Topics. - : EDP Sciences.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents the ongoing analysis of two fission experiments. Both projects are part of the collaboration between the nuclear reactions group at Uppsala and the JRC-IRMM. The first experiment deals with the prompt fission neutron multiplicity in the thermal neutron induced fission of U-235(n,f). The second, on the fission fragment properties in the thermal fission of U-234(n,f). The prompt fission neutron multiplicity has been measured at the JRC-IRMM using two liquid scintillators in coincidence with an ionization chamber. The first experimental campaign focused on U-235(nth,f) whereas a second experimental campaign is foreseen later for the same reaction at 5.5 MeV. The goal is to investigate how the so-called saw-tooth shape changes as a function of fragment mass and excitation energy. Some harsh experimental conditions were experienced due to the large radiation background. The solution to this will be discussed along with preliminary results. In addition, the analysis of thermal neutron induced fission of U-234(n,f) will be discussed. Currently analysis of data is ongoing, originally taken at the ILL reactor. The experiment is of particular interest since no measurement exist of the mass and energy distributions for this system at thermal energies. One main problem encountered during analysis was the huge background of U-235(nth, f). Despite the negligible isotopic traces in the sample, the cross section difference is enormous. Solution to this parasitic background will be highlighted.
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| 2. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Fission Activities of the Nuclear Reactions Group in Uppsala
- 2015
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Ingår i: Scientific Workshop on Nuclear Fission Dynamics and the Emission of Prompt Neutrons and Gamma Rays, THEORY-3. - : Elsevier BV. ; , s. 145-149
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper highlights some of the main activities related to fission of the nuclear reactions group at Uppsala University. The group is involved for instance in fission yield experiments at the IGISOL facility, cross-section measurements at the NFS facility, as well as fission dynamics studies at the IRMM JRC-EC. Moreover, work is ongoing on the Total Monte Carlo (TMC) methodology and on including the GEF fission code into the TALYS nuclear reaction code. Selected results from these projects are discussed.
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| 3. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Ion counting efficiencies at the IGISOL facility
- 2014
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- At the IGISOL-JYFLTRAP facility, fission mass yields can be studied at high precision. Fission fragments from a U target are passing through a Ni foil and entering a gas filled chamber. The collected fragments are guided through a mass separator to a Penning trap where their masses are identified. This simulation work focuses on how different fission fragment properties (mass, charge and energy) affect the stopping efficiency in the gas cell. In addition, different experimental parameters are varied (e. g. U and Ni thickness and He gas pressure) to study their impact on the stopping efficiency. The simulations were performed using the Geant4 package and the SRIM code. The main results suggest a small variation in the stopping efficiency as a function of mass, charge and kinetic energy. It is predicted that heavy fragments are stopped about 9% less efficiently than the light fragments. However it was found that the properties of the U, Ni and the He gas influences this behavior. Hence it could be possible to optimize the efficiency.
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| 4. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Neutron-multiplicity experiments for enhanced fission modelling
- 2017
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Ingår i: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 9782759890200
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The nuclear de-excitation process of fission fragments (FF) provides fundamental information for the understanding of nuclear fission and nuclear structure in neutron-rich isotopes. The variation of the prompt-neutron multiplicity, ν(A), as a function of the incident neutron energy (En) is one of many open questions. It leads to significantly different treatments in various fission models and implies that experimental data are analyzed based on contradicting assumptions. One critical question is whether the additional excitation energy (Eexc) is manifested through an increase of ν(A) for all fragments or for the heavy ones only. A systematic investigation of ν(A) as a function of En has been initiated. Correlations between prompt-fission neutrons and fission fragments are obtained by using liquid scintillators in conjunction with a Frisch-grid ionization chamber. The proof-of-principle has been achieved on the reaction 235U(nth,f) at the Van De Graff (VdG) accelerator of the JRC-Geel using a fully digital data acquisition system. Neutrons from 252Cf(sf) were measured separately to quantify the neutron-scattering component due to surrounding shielding material and to determine the intrinsic detector efficiency. Prelimenary results on ν(A) and spectrum in correlation with FF properties are presented.
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| 5. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Prompt fission neutron yields in thermal fission of U-235 and spontaneous fission of Cf-252
- 2020
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Ingår i: Physical Review C. - : American Physical Society (APS). - 2469-9985 .- 2469-9993. ; 102:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The sharing of excitation energy between the fission fragments is one of the key issues in studying nuclear fission. One way to address this is by studying prompt-fission neutron multiplicities as a function of other fission observables such as the mass, (nu) over bar (A). These are vital benchmark data for both fission and nuclear deexcitation models, putting constrains on the fragment excitation energy and hence on the competing prompt neutron/gamma-ray emission. Despite numerous detailed studies, recent measurements done at JRC-Geel with the SCINTIA array in the epithermal region show surprisingly strong discrepancies to earlier thermal fission data and the Wahl systematics. Purpose: The purpose was to perform measurements of the prompt-fission neutron multiplicity, as a function of fragment mass and total kinetic energy (TKE), in U-235(n(th), f) and Cf-252(sf), to verify and extend the SCINTIA results. Another goal was to validate the analysis methods, and prepare for planned investigations at excitation energies up to 5.5 MeV. Methods: The experiments were conducted at the former 7 MV Van de Graaff facility in JRC-Geel, using a Twin Frisch-Grid Ionization Chamber and two liquid scintillation detectors. A neutron beam with an average energy of 0.5 MeV was produced via the Li-7(p,n) reaction. The neutrons were thermalized by a 12 cm thick block of paraffin. Digital data acquisition systems were utilized. Comprehensive simulations were performed to verify the methodology and to investigate the role of the mass and energy resolution on measured (nu) over bar (A) and (nu) over bar (TKE) values. The simulation results also revealed that the partial derivative(nu) over bar/partial derivative A and partial derivative(TKE) over bar/partial derivative(nu) over bar are affected by the mass and energy resolution. However, the effect is small for the estimated resolutions of this work. Detailed Fluka simulations were performed to calculate the fraction of thermal neutron-induced fission, which was estimated to be about 98%. Results: The experimental results on (nu) over bar (A) are in good agreement with earlier data for Cf-252(sf). For U-235(n(th), f), the (nu) over bar (A) data is very similar to the data obtained with SCINTIA, and therefore we verify these disclosed discrepancies to earlier thermal data and to the Wahl evaluation. The experimental results on (nu) over bar (TKE) are also in agreement with the data at epithermal energies. For Cf-252(sf) a slope value of partial derivative(TKE) over bar/partial derivative(nu) over bar = (-12.9 f 0.2) MeV/n was obtained. For U-235(n(th), f) the value is (-12.0 +/- 0.1) MeV/n. Finally, the neutron spectrum in the center-of-mass system was derived and plotted as a function of fragment mass. Conclusions: This work clearly proves the lack of accurate correlation between fission fragment and neutron data even in the best-studied reactions. The new results highlight the need of a new evaluation of the prompt-fission multiplicity for U-225(n(th), f).
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| 6. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Simulations of the fission-product stopping efficiency in IGISOL
- 2015
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Ingår i: European Physical Journal A. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-6001 .- 1434-601X. ; 51:59, s. 1-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- At the Jyväskylä Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line (IGISOL) facility, independent fission yields are measured employing the Penning-trap technique. Fission products are produced, e.g. by impinging protons on a uranium target, and are stopped in a gas-filled chamber. The products are collected by a flow of He gas and guided through a mass separator to a Penning trap, where their masses are identified. This work investigates how fission-product properties, such as mass and energy, affect the ion stopping efficiency in the gas cell. The study was performed using the Geant4 toolkit and the SRIM code. The main results show a nearly mass-independent ion stopping with regard to the wide spread of ion masses and energies, with a proper choice of uranium target thickness. Although small variations were observed, in the order of 5%, the results are within the systematic uncertainties of the simulations. To optimize the stopping efficiency while reducing the systematic errors, different experimental parameters were varied; for instance material thicknesses and He gas pressure. Different parameters influence the mass dependence and could alter the mass dependencies in the ion stopping efficiency.
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| 7. |
- Al-Adili, Ali, et al.
(författare)
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Studying fission neutrons with 2E-2v and 2E
- 2018
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Ingår i: SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ON NUCLEAR FISSION DYNAMICS AND THE EMISSION OF PROMPT NEUTRONS AND GAMMA RAYS (THEORY-4). - : EDP Sciences. - 9782759890316
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This work aims at measuring prompt-fission neutrons at different excitation energies of the nucleus. Two independent techniques, the 2E-2v and the 2E techniques, are used to map the characteristics of the mass-dependent prompt fission neutron multiplicity, 7(A), when the excitation energy is increased. The VERDI 2E-2v spectrometer is being developed at JRC-GEEL. The Fission Fragment (FF) energies are measured using two arrays of 16 silicon (Si) detectors each. The FFs velocities are obtained by time-of-flight, measured between micro-channel plates (MCP) and Si detectors. With MCPs placed on both sides of the fission source, VERDI allows for independent timing measurements for both fragments. Cf-252(sf) was measured and the present results revealed particular features of the 2E-2v technique. Dedicated simulations were also performed using the GEF code to study important aspects of the 2E-2v technique. Our simulations show that prompt neutron emission has a non-negligible impact on the deduced fragment data and affects also the shape of 17(A). Geometrical constraints lead to a total-kinetic energy-dependent detection efficiency. The 2E technique utilizes an ionization chamber together with two liquid scintillator detectors. Two measurements have been performed, one of Cf-252(sf) and another one of thermal-neutron induced fission in U-235(n,f). Results from Cf-252(sf) are reported here.
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| 8. |
- Alcayne, V., et al.
(författare)
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A segmented total energy detector (sTED) for (n, gamma) cross section measurements at n_TOF EAR2
- 2023
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Ingår i: 15TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NUCLEAR DATA FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ND2022. - : EDP Sciences.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF is characterised by its high instantaneous neutron intensity, high resolution and broad neutron energy spectra, specially conceived for neutron-induced reaction cross section measurements. Two Time-Of-Flight (TOR) experimental areas are available at the facility: experimental area 1 (EAR1), located at the end of the 185 m horizontal flight path from the spallation target, and experimental area 2 (EAR2), placed at 20 m from the target in the vertical direction. The neutron fluence in EAR2 is similar to 300 times more intense than in EARL in the relevant time-of-flight window. EAR2 was designed to carry out challenging cross-section measurements with low mass samples (approximately 1 mg), reactions with small cross-sections or/and highly radioactive samples. The high instantaneous fluence of EAR2 results in high counting rates that challenge the existing capture systems. Therefore, the sTED detector has been designed to mitigate these effects. In 2021, a dedicated campaign was done validating the performance of the detector up to at least 300 keV neutron energy. After this campaign, the detector has been used to perform various capture cross section measurements at n_TOF EAR2.
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| 9. |
- Balibrea-Correa, J., et al.
(författare)
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First measurement of the 94Nb(n,γ) cross section at the CERN n_TOF facility
- 2023
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Ingår i: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X. ; 279
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- One of the crucial ingredients for the improvement of stellar models is the accurate knowledge of neutron capture cross-sections for the different isotopes involved in the s-,r- and i- processes. These measurements can shed light on existing discrepancies between observed and predicted isotopic abundances and help to constrain the physical conditions where these reactions take place along different stages of stellar evolution.In the particular case of the radioactive 94Nb, the 94Nb(n,γ) cross-section could play a role in the determination of the s-process production of 94Mo in AGB stars, which presently cannot be reproduced by state-of-the-art stellar models. There are no previous 94Nb(n,γ) experimental data for the resolved and unresolved resonance regions mainly due to the difficulties in producing highquality samples and also due to limitations in conventional detection systems commonly used in time-of-flight experiments.Motivated by this situation, a first measurement of the 94Nb(n,γ) reaction was carried out at CERN n_TOF, thereby exploiting the high luminosity of the EAR2 area in combination with a new detection system of small-volume C6D6-detectors and a high quality 94Nb-sample. The latter was based on hyper-pure 93Nb material activated at the high-flux reactor of ILL-Grenoble. An innovative ring-configuration detection system in close geometry around the capture sample allowed us to significantly enhance the signal-to-background ratio. This set-up was supplemented with two conventional C6D6-detectors and a highresolution LaCl3(Ce)-detector, which will be employed for addressing reliably systematic effects and uncertainties.At the current status of the data analysis, 18 resonance in 94Nb+n have been observed for the first time in the neutron energy range from thermal up to 10 keV.
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| 10. |
- Chiodaroli, Marco, et al.
(författare)
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“Every morning I take two steps to my desk…” : students’ perspectives on distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2024
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Ingår i: Higher Education. - : Springer Science+Business Media B.V.. - 0018-1560 .- 1573-174X.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became the predominant teaching method at most universities, exposing students and teachers alike to novel and unexpected challenges and learning opportunities. Our study is situated in the context of higher physics education at a large Swedish university and adopts a mixed-methods approach to explore how students perceive shifts to distance learning. Quantitative student survey responses comparing distance learning during the pandemic with previous in-person learning are analyzed with k-means cluster analysis and with a random-intercept multilevel linear model. Combined analyses produce a consistent picture of students who report having experienced the greatest challenges. They are on average younger, report being less autonomous in their learning, and find it harder than peers to ask questions to the instructor. They are also less likely to have access to a place where they can study without interruptions. Variation across courses is small with students being largely subjected to the same set of challenges. Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews and open-ended questions supports these findings, provides a deeper understanding of the struggles, and reveals possibilities for future interventions. Students report an overall collapse of structure in their learning that takes place along multiple dimensions. Our findings highlight a fundamental role played by informal peer-to-peer and student-instructor interactions, and by the exchange of what we refer to as “structural information.” We discuss implications for teachers and institutions regarding the possibility of providing support structures, such as study spaces, as well as fostering student autonomy.
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